Axe 01 - Audio - Open to Both Courts - Forward-dated to October 2nd

[gloinul]

[Not a video, just audio. It’s clear, however, that the person on the other end is inspecting the locket]

--hmph, thought as much. "Say a phrase and the magic will work", hm? Ridiculous. Who ever heard of speaking over distances with a locket.. Not even Legolas with all his fanciful Elven stories would have come up with something so foolish.

[More tapping and poking can be heard]

There’s nothing special about this at all. No gems, not even made of precious metals...and those creatures expect me to believe their stories? [A snort] I’d sooner believe there’s a man in Rohan afraid of horses! [He pauses, and then scoffs] Bah, listen to me, talking to myself. Legolas must be rubbing off on me more than I thought!

[Click goes the locket.]

Comments

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[gloinul]

[Gimli gets instantly defensive. The last time he remembers talking to Thranduil, it wasn't exactly pleasant. Civil perhaps, but not enjoyable]

Of course I am going to travel with him! Why would I not?

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[firith]

[ A dwarf gets defensive and the sky is still blue. ]

I am relieved to hear it. [ Onto important matters, though. ] Keep Celegorm away from him. This elf broke my son's arms, branded his flesh and left Legolas a wretched, tortured prisoner to journey halfway over Unseelie lands to reach sanctuary with me. That was months ago, and my ire will not cool on this matter in the foreseeable future.

I tell you all this because you are my son's dearest friend, and you are stronger knowing it than not, for Legolas will shy from the mention of it.

[ Understandably. ]

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[gloinul]

[And now he is outraged. Oh, should he ever see this Celegorm...]

He did what? I thought Elves incapable of such cruelty--and I know Legolas incapable of deserving it.

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[firith]

Elves can be cruel, as surely as they can be kind. Celegorm is mad and will take great pains to not appear so. Legolas was taken prisoner during a skirmish on the orders of the Seelie rulers, and he was not at fault. [ Sternly, Thranduil goes on, ] You cannot let him know you have been told of these terrible deeds, for the shadow of them will once more weigh heavily on his heart and turn him to grieve.

Hold your silence and be as a wolf in the grass, Gimli son of Gloin, and guard my son where I cannot. You are of more use to him alive and watchful than dead and vengeful.

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[gloinul]

You speak as if I am not vengeful now! But I will say nothing unless pressed.

[He won't lie to Legolas, after all]

What does this Elf look like? And is he a "Fëanorian"? Or is he a different Elf?

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[firith]

Yes, a Feanorian of the Feanorionnath, a woebegone and ill-omened lineage of Elves from the days of my youth. Celegorm was slain after he murdered a greatly beloved member of my people, but he has been summoned to these lands before those days. He is often called 'the Fair', and will readily supply you with his name.

[ A pause, and Thranduil's gaze lowers. ]

Legolas seemed to long for death for a time, so scarred was his fea; the trauma harmed him in ways I could not physically attend. I will never forgive Celegorm for visiting that upon him, and I will guard any with my life who cause him to fall.

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[gloinul]

[His youth? Oh, Maker. No wonder Gimli knows nothing about them.

Gimli listens to Thranduil, serious and very, very upset (though it mostly looks like he's just angry). When the king is finished, he nods]

I swore to protect and aid my friends to my last breath and that promise still holds true. Should any come after Legolas again, they will meet my axe.

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[firith]

[ +10000 points to Gimli. ]

For the loyalty you have shown my child, I place Gimli son of Gloin above all the dwarf-lords of old. [ His lips barely twitch, but Thranduil's eyes lighten a little. ] Shall we call ourselves friends, you and I? It is my wish.

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[gloinul]

[...Gimli is guessing Thranduil comes from a time much later than his own. The last he heard, Thranduil wasn't all that fond of him!

But he says nothing. He just bows his head]

You honor me, Elvenking. I would be your friend.

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[firith]

[ He would be terribly correct about that. Thranduil inclines his head in turn. ]

An honour shared. We shall speak again, I hope.

[ And because the Elvenking dun fuck around, the feed cuts out as he hangs up; they've said all they need to for the time being, no need to faff. ]